Edward Benton Hale of Blacksburg passed away at his home Friday, April 24, 2020. He was 97 years old.
“Ed” or as family members affectionately referred to him, “Benton,” was born in Narrows, Va., on Dec. 4, 1922. Living the first 16 years of his life on the D.F. Hale Farm, Benton graduated from Narrows High School in 1939 and enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Agricultural and Mechanical College.
As a member of the ROTC, Benton completed his undergraduate work in 1943, earning a degree in agricultural engineering. Benton entered World War II as a member of the US Army’s Quartermaster Corps with the rank of staff sergeant. His tour began in the Pacific Theatre where his involvement led him into the invasion of the Philippines, the Battle of Luzon and the Battle for Manila. He ended his service as part of the Occupational Forces in Japan.
After returning home in 1946, Benton began working for Appalachian Power Company in Pulaski, Va., serving the peoples’ electrical needs until 1950. During this time, he met the love of his life, Alice Russell Scott. They were married in Pulaski in the summer of 1947 and bore their first child Edward Benton Hale, Jr., in 1948 at Radford Hospital.
In 1950 he moved the family to Nashville, Tenn., where he spent the next three years working for the University of Tennessee-Nashville as an extension agent. His work included radio appearances on a morning farm report show hosted by Hank Snow and Roy Acuff. While in Nashville, the couple’s second child, Elizabeth Scott Hale, was born at Vanderbilt Hospital.
In 1953, the family of four moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where Benton served on the faculty at UT-Knoxville until 1960. He earned his masters degree in ag engineering, establishing himself as a true “Big Orange” supporter. His season football tickets were on the 50-yard line, 44 rows up. In 1957, the Hales’ third and last child, John Franklin Hale was born near the UT campus.
As fate would have it, Benton returned to his alma mater, Virginia Tech, to serve as an associate professor and irrigation specialist for the Extension Service. He remained with the university until his retirement in 1982.
After his retirement, Benton remained active in the community. He served on the boards of Blacksburg United Methodist Church and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. He was a proud member of Rotary International (Blacksburg-Christiansburg Chapter) and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Intermont Masonic Lodge in Narrows, the American Legion and 4-H. He supported organizations such as Easterseals, Special Olympics, the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, Feeding America and PBS.
He loved fishing, golfing, hunting, traveling and playing bridge. Benton was an avid Virginia Tech fan. He had season tickets for football and basketball that took him from Miles Stadium to Lane Stadium and the War Memorial Gym to Cassell Coliseum.
His devotion to his family and his community spirit will never be forgotten. He was the epitome of the Virginia Tech slogan, Ut Prosim “That I may serve.”
The family thanks all the folks at Good Samaritan Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care for their care of Benton. The staff of both organizations are to be commended for their efforts. Special thanks go to Doug Steger (nephew), Betty McQuillar (friend of the family), Michael, Stephanie and Doris Sheppard for their participation; Terry Hash, Brooke Priest, Miranda and Tammy of Good Samaritan; and Virginia Lucas, Misty Lutz, Seth Brown and Cristy McAvoy from Home Instead.
Benton leaves behind two sons, Edward Benton Hale, Jr., and John Franklin Hale of Blacksburg; a daughter Elizabeth Hale Cohen of Christiansburg; grandsons Brandon Cohen of Smyrna, Ga. and Chad Cohen and his wife, Kem Cohen, and their children Davis and Caroline of Woodstock, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, his parents, Dan and Leona Hale; and a sister, Katherine Hale Smith and her husband, Robert.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, April 28, at the Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley in Blacksburg at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Blacksburg Rescue Squad 1300 Progress St. NW Blacksburg, Va. 24060. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
